Changes in late adolescent and young adults: Attachment, separation and mental health during wilderness therapy
Abstract
The study explored changes in young adults’ mental health, attachment, and separation from parents during a seven-week wilderness therapy program. Utilizing a longitudinal one-group design, the study examined outcomes of 157 young adults in one wilderness therapy program. From pre to post treatment, participants reported significant improvement in mental health symptoms and interpersonal relationships, as well as increases in the belief that others can be depended upon. Participants reported less resentment and anger towards mothers from pre to post treatment, but an increase in their needs for approval from fathers. The study details a link between young adults’ attachment, independence from parents, and improvement in mental health, suggesting that treatment which targets these links may provide more effective intervention.
Department
Social Work
Publication Date
2-1-2017
Journal Title
Journal of Child and Family Studies
Publisher
Springer
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Bettmann, J., Tucker, A.R, Behrens, E., & Vanderloo (2017). Changes in late adolescent and young adults: Attachment, separation and mental health during wilderness therapy. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 26(2), 511-522. doi: 10.1007/s10826-016-0577-4